Rio airport workers go on strike

Local residents in Cuiaba have criticised the Brazilian government over their spending on the 2014 World Cup.

RIO DE JANEIRO -- Workers at Rio de Janeiro's two airports declared a partial work stoppage beginning at midnight Wednesday, on the eve of the opening match of the World Cup.

Rio's Galeao international airport is expected to be one of the country's busiest during the month-long tournament. The walkout also will affect Santos Dumon airport, which provides domestic service, including flights to Sao Paulo, where the first World Cup game will be held on Thursday.

A union representative said only 20 percent of workers would walk off the job for 24 hours initially.

Unions representing workers at the two airports, including check-in counter clerks and baggage handlers, are seeking raises of at least 5.6 percent.

A labour court has issued an injunction ordering the unions to maintain staffing at 80 percent of normal levels or face fines of up to $22,400.